As the United States prepares to mark the 200th anniversary of its railroad era in 2027, Brand USA has issued a national invitation for travelers to rediscover the country through the window of a train. With two centuries of history behind it, the American rail network is positioning itself as the premier way to experience the nation’s vast landscapes, evolving its legacy from a historical necessity to a modern, immersive travel experience.
“Rail is where America’s travel story began, and 200 years later, the romance of the rails endures,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA. “The 2027 bicentennial is a timely invitation for travelers to slow down, look out the window, and take in the unique beauty of the USA mile by mile.”
While international visitors have long defaulted to planes and rental cars to navigate the country’s enormous scale, the 2027 initiative emphasizes that long-distance rail travel offers a unique advantage: the journey becomes just as significant as the destination. By trading highways for tracks, travelers can witness the gradual transition of the American landscape, from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the red-rock deserts of the West.
The celebratory year will showcase a diverse spectrum of experiences. For those seeking the classic long-distance route, Amtrak’s legendary lines—such as the California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight—remain the backbone of transcontinental transit. Meanwhile, new infrastructure projects, including the upcoming “Airo” trains in the Pacific Northwest and the expanded Gulf Coast service connecting New Orleans to Mobile, are modernizing the passenger experience.
The bicentennial also highlights the “Mother Road,” Route 66, in an innovative way. Travelers can traverse the spirit of the iconic highway by rail, using the Southwest Chief to connect Chicago to Los Angeles. This route provides a creative alternative to the traditional road trip, allowing visitors to experience cultural hubs like Albuquerque and the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon without the fatigue of long-distance driving.
History enthusiasts will find the 2027 celebrations particularly robust. Museums, including the newly updated National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation in Baltimore and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, are launching bicentennial exhibitions. Beyond exhibits, the rail story lives on through heritage railways—such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad—and repurposed transit hubs. Iconic landmarks like Denver’s Union Station and Los Angeles Union Station continue to serve as vibrant cultural centers, while others, like Chattanooga’s “Hotel Chalet,” allow guests to sleep inside restored Pullman train carriages.
Whether it is exploring the logging-era tracks of West Virginia or spending a night in a converted caboose in Idaho, the 2027 bicentennial promises to transform the way the world views American travel. As the nation enters its third century of rail, the message is clear: the best way to see the United States is to let the tracks lead the way.
Travelers looking to plan their 2027 rail odyssey can find more information at AmericaTheBeautiful.com.
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